Here’s a Crispy Baked Cauliflower recipe that comes out golden and crunchy on the outside, tender inside—no frying needed.
🥦 Crispy Baked Cauliflower
Ingredients (Serves 4)
- 1 large head cauliflower, cut into bite-size florets
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- ½ cup breadcrumbs or panko (panko = extra crispy)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Optional: parsley, lemon wedges, or dipping sauce
Instructions
1. Prep
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C)
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper
2. Season
- In a large bowl, toss cauliflower with olive oil until coated
- Add breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper
- Toss again until evenly coated
3. Bake
- Spread florets in a single layer (don’t crowd!)
- Bake 20 minutes, flip
- Bake another 15–20 minutes until deeply golden and crispy
4. Serve
- Sprinkle with parsley or a squeeze of lemon
- Serve hot with ranch, garlic aioli, or spicy mayo
⭐ Secrets to Extra Crispiness
- Dry cauliflower well before seasoning
- Use panko instead of regular breadcrumbs
- Roast at high heat the whole time
- Don’t overcrowd the pan
🔥 Flavor Variations
- Buffalo: toss with buffalo sauce after baking
- Cheesy: add more Parmesan or cheddar
- Spicy: add cayenne or chili powder
- Asian-style: add sesame oil + soy glaze after baking
If you want, I can also give you a no-breadcrumb crispy version or an air fryer cauliflower recipe.
